A look at iconic and lesser known movies with local ties

By Rich Lopez | jrlopez@mrt.com

Published 11:13 am, Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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This classic George Stevens film was tops on many readers’ minds. The grand film left its Texas legacy throughout West Texas with its famous Reata ranch located in Marfa and even scenes filmed in Valentine. Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor are perfect as married couple Bick and Leslie Lynnton. As they age and build their own legacy, they are menaced by James Dean’s Jett Rink who has his eye on his own fortune and Leslie. But the film itself is a sublime epic with a spirit as big as the state, if not at least the western part of it. less

This classic George Stevens film was tops on many readers’ minds. The grand film left its Texas legacy throughout West Texas with its famous Reata ranch located in Marfa and even scenes filmed in Valentine. ... more

Photo: Courtesy Photo

A look at iconic and lesser known movies with local ties

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When we asked readers about movies featuring or filmed in West Texas, we received a slew of responses. There is a clear pride among folks when it comes to the filmic history of the area. Award-winners, cult faves and even television movies popped up on readers’ radars.

We narrowed it down to the 10 we thought best represented not only the landscape, but also the culture. Whether the area is on screen for a minute or two hours, here are our top films where West Texas plays a part as much as the actors.

10. “Fandango” (1985)

A group of friends from UT all head out on one last road trip before graduation in this cult fave that stars Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards. It was shot in Lajitas, Marfa, Alpine, Fort Davis, Pecos, Monahans and El Paso. While the film didn’t perform well at the box office, it did garner a home viewing audience and fans even celebrated the its 25th anniversary at locations where it was filmed.

9. “Paris, Texas” (1984)

Directed by Wim Wenders, the film centers on wandering amnesiac Travis Henderson, played by Harry Dean Stanton, who is intent on finding his ex-wife Jane, played by Nastassja Kinski, and rebuilding his relationship wih his son Hunter, played by Hunter Carson. Parts of the movie were filmed in El Paso, Terlingua, Fort Stockton, Marathon and in Big Bend. The span of West Texas is a perfect metaphor for Henderson’s solitary mission that leads him to his brother and eventually the big city, all while determined to also find Paris.

8. “Boyhood” (2014)

West Texas has a small part in this Golden Globe winning movie but it’s an important one for the main character. We won’t give it away, but also, much of Richard Linklater’s film is like a love letter to Texas filmed over 12 years. It was filmed throughout the state including Terlingua and Big Bend. “Boyhood” just received an Oscar nomination for best picture as well as supporting actor nods for Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke who play the disjointed parents of the formative Mason.

7. “W.” (2008)

Despite the controversial aspects of this Oliver Stone film, George W. Bush is and likely always will be Midland’s most famous son. Josh Brolin plays the 43rd president alongside Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush and a star-studded cast that portrays key players in his administration. The movie follows Bush from his Yale days to owning the Texas Rangers and up to his presidency.

6. “The Three Burials of Melquiadas Estrada” (2005)

Although a quiet film, Tommy Lee Jones’ directing effort was rooted in dark origins. Based on the killing of an American teenager near the Mexico border, Jones directed and starred in the film that was shot in Big Bend, Lajitas, Van Horn, Odessa, Redford, Monahans and Shafter.

***WARNING: THIS TRAILER IS NOT MEANT FOR ALL AUDIENCES***

5. “The Rookie” (2002)

Based on a true story, Dennis Quaid portrays Jim Morris, a teacher in Big Lake, who went on to have a brief career has a Major League Baseball Player. Disney was behind this feel-good movie, but it also played with genuine sentimentality.

4. “ American Sniper” (2014)

In Clint Eastwood’s film about U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, we learn how the Odessan became a sniper of uncanny ability making him both a hero and a target. The movie details his four tours of duty only to return home to struggle with PTSD and meet a tragic if not ironic fate by a fellow veteran. Like “Boyhood,” the film received six nominations including best picture and best actor for Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Kyle.

3. “Friday Night Lights” (2004)

Director Peter Berg took H.G. Bissinger’s book to the big screen with Billy Bob Thornton as Coach Gary Gaines of the 1988 Permian Panthers in their goal toward a state championship. Also dealing with racial and socioeconomic tensions, the film was a complex look at not only football as a culture, but the diversity found in the players.

2. “Giant” (1956)

This classic George Stevens film was tops on many readers’ minds. The grand film left its Texas legacy throughout West Texas with its famous Reata ranch located in Marfa and even scenes filmed in Valentine. Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor are perfect as married couple Bick and Leslie Lynnton. As they age and build their own legacy, they are menaced by James Dean’s Jett Rink who has his eye on his own fortune and Leslie. But the film itself is a sublime epic with a spirit as big as the state, if not at least the western part of it.

1. “Waltz Across Texas” (1982)

Many readers cited this movie filmed in Midland. Oilman John Taylor and geologist Gail Weston, played by Terry Jastrow and Anne Archer, aren’t the perfect partners for oil discovery but maybe for romance. This small film may have clichéd romantic comedy written all over it, but many readers felt a strong attachment to the film and its frank portrayal of the work force here. And then there’s also the big dance scene.

***WARNING: THIS TRAILER IS NOT MEANT FOR ALL AUDIENCES***

Just because: “Hangar 18” (1980)

Who would think Midland and Big Spring could be home to a sci-fi flick? Director James L. Conway did with this movie about a government cover-up of a landed UFO and the aliens inside. The movie was considered a flop and was even spoofed on Mystery Science Theater, but schlock is always fun. So maybe not top 10 material, but we couldn’t let this gem slip away unforgotten.

What movies didn’t make the list? Let us know on Facebook or at MRT.com in the comments section.